Image registration server and an image mediation distributing system

ABSTRACT

It is aimed to provide a system for collecting, storing and distributing a photographic subject image which an image reader wants to watch, by intermediating an image photographer who photographs an image of a photographic subject using portable equipment with a digital camera function and the image reader who acquires the photographed image via a data communications network. A photographic subject list registration part 13 registers a photographic subject list where photographic subject specification information input by an input part 11 of photographic subject specification information from a registrant terminal corresponds to a photographic subject identifier. A photographic subject list disclose part 14 discloses the photographic subject list. An input part 15 of a photographic subject image application inputs a photographic subject identifier used for identifying a photographic subject which an applicant wants to be photographed, and a disclose part 17 of photograph application collection list discloses it to a photographer. A photographic subject image registration part 18 registers the photographed image, and a registration image distribution part 32 distributes the registered photographed image.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 37.1 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP00/07823 which has an Internationalfiling date of Nov. 8, 2000, which designated the United States ofAmerica.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an intermediary distribution method ofa photographic subject image, which collects, stores and distributes aphotographic subject image that an image reader wants to watch, byintermediating an image photographer who photographs an image of aphotographic subject using portable equipment with a digital camerafunction and the image reader who extracts a photographed image ontoportable equipment at hand via a data communications network. It isespecially related with a method of specifying a photographic subjectimage, and a method of photographing an image of the specifiedphotographic subject, registering the photographed image and acquiringthe specified image by utilizing the data communications network.

BACKGROUND ART

As a conventional art example 1, a recording classification system for aphotographed image by using an electronic still camera based on aclassification code, disclosed in “Recording Classification System foran Electronic Still Camera” of Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationNo. 5-344460 will now be described. FIG. 25 shows a configurationillustrating the recording classification system for an electronic stillcamera. FIG. 25 shows a part selected from the figure in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 5-344460 because the part consideredto be related to the present invention.

In FIG. 25, the following are provided: an electronic still camera 100for photographing a digital image, a key input part 101 for inputting aclassification code etc. into the electronic still camera, a memory part102 for storing an image of the electronic still camera 100 and aclassification code, an LCD 103 for displaying an image of theelectronic still camera 100 and a character, a classification mode key104, a classification code input key 105, a multi-code key 106, a trackmap key 107, a classification code display key 108, and a classificationcode delete key 109.

In the “Recording Classification System for an Electronic Still Camera”,a classification code is input for each photographic subject imagephotographed by the electronic still camera 100, utilizing theclassification mode key 104 and the classification code input key 105 ofthe key input part 101. Then, the image and the classification code arerecorded in the memory part 102.

When displaying the image on the LCD 103, the classification code isagain input from the classification code input key 105, and the imagecorresponding to the classification code is displayed one by one fromthe memory part 102.

In the conventional art example 1, the classification code is used forclassifying and searching a photographic subject image which has beenphotographed, and is not used for specifying a photographic subject.Therefore, it is impossible to specify a photographic subject by usingthe classification code. Moreover, this classification code is assignedto another image in other electronic still cameras. Naturally,photographic subjects of images between other electronic still camerasare different. Therefore, generally, the classification code is not acode that is used for identifying only one photographic subject image. Arole of the classification code is just classifying a photographicsubject image in a specific electronic still camera.

As a conventional art example 2, a specification and transmission systemof a photographed image using an image number, disclosed in “DigitalCamera” of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-224676 will nowbe described. FIG. 26 shows a part selected from the figure in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 10-224676 because the part consideredto be related to the present invention.

In FIG. 26, the following are provided: a digital camera 120, a controlpart 121 of the digital camera 120, a lens 122, a digital imagephotograph part 123 for changing an input through a lens into an image,and an image number produce part 124 for producing an image number to beinserted in a photographed image. In addition, as described in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 10-224676, the image number is alsoused as a file name in the case of storing a photographed image in thedigital camera 120, and it is possible to search a photographed image byusing the image number. A character line insert part 125 for inserting aproduced image number into a photographed image, a wireless part 126 fortransmitting a photographed image to an image data processing apparatusin a remote place, a WWW server/client part 127 for performing a datatransmission with the data-processing apparatus in a remote place byusing the wireless part, a large-sized display part 128, a memory part129 for storing a photographed image, photograph conditions and acharacter line to be inserted in a photographed image, and an operationpart for 130 for inputting photograph conditions.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-224676, it is descriedabout a digital camera which has a function to transmit image datastored in a memory part of the digital camera to a data-processingapparatus in a remote place by wireless. The digital camera 120 in thisdocument projects an image number produced in the image number producepart 124 onto image data to be transmitted, and the image to betransmitted is identified by this image number. Furthermore, this imagenumber is also used as a file name at the time of storing in the memorypart 129.

Unlike the conventional art example 1, this image number is not used forclassifying an image but used for identifying a photographic image ofthe subject, and it is possible to specify an image on the digitalcamera 120. Photograph conditions are input from the operation part 130,and temporarily stored in the memory part 129. Then, it is also possibleto copy the photograph conditions into a photographed image as acharacter line by using the character line insert part 125. However, theimage number described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.10-224676 is used for specifying an image but not used for specifying aphotographic subject itself. Though it is possible to specify an imagewhich has been photographed by using the image number and to assign theimage number to an image to be photographed, it is not possible tospecify a photographic subject.

Moreover, though the image number is produced in the image numberproduce part 124 of the digital camera 120 and assigned to aphotographic subject image, conditions outside of the digital camera 120are not taken into consideration. For example, as a number is assignedindependently in other digital camera 120, it could happen to assign thesame number for different photographic subject images in two digitalcameras. Therefore, for the above reason, when images are transmittedfrom a plurality of digital cameras to a data-processing apparatus, itis not guaranteed that an image number is not duplicated. Then, it isimpossible to build an image database where registration and search of aphotographed image is performed by the image number.

As a conventional art example 3, image database registration/searchsystem using a symbol ID disclosed in “Multimedia Information TerminalApparatus” of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-143520 willnow be described.

FIGS. 27 through 30 show parts selected from the figures in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 10-143520 because the parts consideredto be related to the present invention. Regarding FIG. 29, in order toclarify the relation with the present invention, the “file managementdata” described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-143520is replaced with a “symbol list” in the present invention, and the “GPSinformation file” in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.10-143520 is replaced with an “attached information file”.

FIG. 27 shows a configuration of information terminal side according toan image file management system by using a symbol ID, based on amultimedia information terminal and a database. In FIG. 27, thefollowing are provided: a digital camera 140, a portable type personalcomputer 141, a hard disk drive 142 which is a memory storage of theportable type personal computer 141, and a cellular phone 143 having awireless-data-transmission function.

FIG. 28 shows a configuration of database apparatus side according tothe same system. In FIG. 28, a telephone line network 144, a cellularphone (#2) 145 connected to the digital camera 140, and a cellular-phone(#3) 146 connected to the portable type personal computer 141 areprovided. A center 147 has a database apparatus and is connected to thetelephone line network 144. The center 147 is composed of a workstation148 and a database apparatus 149.

FIG. 29 shows contents of the database apparatus 149 in the center 147.Map data 150, an image file 151, an attached information file 152, and asymbol list 153 in which an ID assigned to a symbol on a map is relatedwith a file corresponding to the symbol ID, are shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 30 shows a role of the symbol list 153. A map 154 produced by themap data 150, a symbol 155 assigned to one point on a map, a symbol ID156 which the center 147 assigns to the symbol 155 through theworkstation 148, and a file name 157 indicating a name of a filerelating to the symbol ID 156 are shown in FIG. 30.

With reference to the figure, a method of photographing a photographicsubject image and registering it in the database, and a role of thesymbol ID will now be explained. The conventional art example 3describes a system for registering a photographic subject image at aconstruction site to be related with a map. After an image of theconstruction site is photographed by the digital camera 140, thephotographed image is temporality stored at the HDD 142 of the portabletype personal computer 141. Then, by utilizing the data communicationsfunction of the cellular phone 143, the stored photographed image issent to the center 147 through the telephone line network 144. Thereceived image is stored as an image file in the database apparatus 149by the workstation 148 of the center 147. At this time, the name of theimage file is defined by the center 147, and information about thephotograph position on the map is stored in the database apparatus 149to be related with attached information about the construction site. Asshown in FIG. 30, the map 154 is produced from the map data 150, and thesymbol 155 is assigned to the place where the image was photographed onthe map. Then, the symbol ID 156 is assigned to the symbol 155, andinformation about the photographic subject represented by the symbol 155is input as attached information. The center 147 also defines a filename of the input attached information, and registers the file name asthe file name 157 of the symbol list 153. The file name of the imagefile 151 is also registered in the file name 157 of the symbol list 153.In this way, the image represented by the symbol is written in the imagefile 151, and its attached information is written in the attachedinformation file 152. Therefore, it is possible to search the image andthe attached information to be related each other by referring to thesymbol list 153 using the symbol ID 156.

There is no description about a means by which a photographer carryingthe digital camera 140, the portable type personal computer 141, and thecellular phone 143 in a set shares a symbol ID and attached informationabout the symbol ID with the center 147. However, even if the means toshare the symbol ID and the attached information is described, as thesymbol ID is an identifier relating the position on the map with thesymbol, the symbol ID has the following faults. Since it is impossibleto assign the symbol ID to a photographic subject which cannot bespecified on the map, such as a moving person or train, the photographicsubject cannot be specified. For this reason, it is not possible torequest the third party to photograph a moving photographic subject, byutilizing the symbol ID.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-143520, it is suggestedto save the time and effort of the database production and to increasethe efficiency of the database production by giving position informationon a spot with utilizing position information of GPS (Global PositioningSystem). However, it is clear that no photographic subject identifiercan be assigned to a moving photographic subject. Moreover, differentphotographic subjects in the same place cannot be identified. Forexample, though the appearance of a certain building, the interior ofthe building, or a state of an employee in the building are different asphotographic subjects, their positions are located at the same positionon the map. These photographic subjects are not distinguishable based onthe symbol IDs of the conventional art example 3.

The photograph image identifier introduced in the three conventional artexamples, such as a “classification code”, “image number”, and “symbolID” is an identifier defined for identifying an image which has beenphotographed or an image to be photographed, and not for identifying thephotographic subject itself. Therefore, in the three conventional artexamples, it is impossible to make the identifiers themselves commonproperty among people by means of putting the photographic subjectidentifiers open to the public. It is also impossible in the threeconventional art examples to request a user of portable equipment havinga digital camera function to photograph an image of a specificphotographic subject through a communication network depending upon aphotographic subject identifier being open to the public to be shared.Especially, it is impossible to request many persons to photograph amoving photographic subject.

It is a subject that a person who wants to acquire an image of aspecific photographic subject can easily indicate his or her intentionthrough the data communications network from the portable equipment suchas a cellular phone.

Moreover, it is intended that the intention of acquiring the image ofthe specific photbgraphic subject is transmitted to a user of portableequipment having a digital camera function through the datacommunications network, the photographic subject is photographed by theuser of portable equipment instead of the person who wants to acquirethe image of the specific photographic subject, and the photographicsubject image which has been photographed is easily registered in animage registration server through the data communications network.

It is also intended that the person who wants to acquire the image ofthe specific photographic subject can know in a short time that thespecific photographic subject image has already been registered in theimage registration server, through the data communications network, andcan easily acquire the desired photographic subject image through thedata communications network only by inputting a photographic subjectidentifier. Especially, when the image of the specific photographicsubject is urgently needed, it is intended to be useful for greatlyshortening the time period from requesting many and unspecified users ofportable equipment to photograph the specific photographic subject toacquiring the image of the photographic subject.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An image registration server according to the present invention can beconnected, through a data communications network, to a registrantterminal used by a registrant who registers a photographic subject to bephotographed, to an applicant terminal used by an applicant who wantsthe photographic subject to be photographed and an image of thephotographic subject to be distributed, and to a photographer terminalused by a photographer who photographs the photographic subject. Theimage registration server includes:

1) an input part of photographic subject specification information, forinputting photographic subject specification information which specifiesthe photographic subject, from the registrant terminal through the datacommunications network,

2) a photographic subject list registration part for registering aphotographic subject list where input photographic subject specificationinformation corresponds to a photographic subject identifier foridentifying the photographic subject,

3) a photographic subject list disclose part for disclosing a registeredphotographic subject list to the applicant terminal and the photographerterminal through the data communications network,

4) an input part of a photographic subject image application, forinputting the photographic subject identifier which specifies thephotographic subject whose photograph the applicant wants to bephotographed, from the applicant terminal through the datacommunications network,

5) a photograph application collection list disclose part for disclosinga photograph application collection list including an input photographicsubject identifier to the photographer terminal through the datacommunications network, and for urging the photographer to photographthe photographic subject,

6) a photographic subject image registration part for inputting theimage of the photographic subject and the photographic subjectidentifier of the photographic subject from the photographer terminalthrough the data communications network, and for registering an inputimage of the photographic subject and an input photographic subjectidentifier of the photographic subject,

7) a registration image list disclose part for disclosing a registrationimage list including the photographic subject identifier of thephotographic subject to the applicant terminal through the datacommunications network, and for urging the applicant to acquire theimage,

8) an input part of a distribution image photographic subjectidentifier, for inputting the photographic subject identifier whichidentifies the photographic subject of the image requested to bedistributed, from the applicant terminal through the data communicationsnetwork, and

9) a registration image distribution part for distributing the image ofthe photographic subject identified by an input photographic subjectidentifier to the applicant terminal through the data communicationsnetwork.

An image intermediary distribution system according to the presentinvention includes a photographic subject identifier manage server andan image registration server. The photographic subject identifier manageserver can be connected, through a data communications network, to aregistrant terminal used by a registrant who registers a photographicsubject to be photographed. The image registration server can beconnected, through the data communications network, to an applicantterminal used by an applicant who wants the photographic subject to bephotographed and an image of the photographic subject to be distributed,to a photographer terminal used by a photographer who photographs thephotographic subject, and to the photographic subject identifier manageserver.

The photographic subject identifier manage server includes: an inputpart of photographic subject specification information, for inputtingphotographic subject specification information which specifies thephotographic subject, from the registrant terminal through the datacommunications network, a photographic subject list registration partfor registering an open photographic subject list where inputphotographic subject specification information corresponds to aphotographic subject identifier for identifying the photographicsubject, and a photographic subject list disclose part for disclosing aregistered open photographic subject list to public people through thedata communications network.

The image registration server includes: an open photographic subjectlist collection part for inputting at least a part of the openphotographic subject list from the photographic subject identifiermanage server through the data communications network and forregistering an input open photographic subject list as a photographicsubject list, an input part of a photographic subject image applicationfor inputting the photographic subject identifier which specifies thephotographic subject whose photograph the applicant wants to bephotographed from the applicant terminal through the data communicationsnetwork, a photograph application collection list disclose part fordisclosing a photograph application collection list including an inputphotographic subject identifier to the photographer terminal through thedata communications network and for urging the photographer tophotograph the photographic subject, a photographic subject imageregistration part for inputting the image of the photographic subjectand the photographic subject identifier of the photographic subject fromthe photographer terminal through the data communications network andfor registering an input image of the photographic subject and an inputphotographic subject identifier of the photographic subject, aregistration image list disclose part for disclosing a registrationimage list including the photographic subject identifier of thephotographic subject to the applicant terminal through the datacommunications network and for urging the applicant to acquire theimage, an input part of a distribution image photographic subjectidentifier, for inputting the photographic subject identifier whichidentifies the photographic subject of the image requested to bedistributed, from the applicant terminal through the data communicationsnetwork, and a registration image distribution part for distributing theimage of the photographic subject identified by an input photographicsubject identifier to the applicant terminal through the datacommunications network.

The input part of a photographic subject image application inputs thephotographic subject identifier composed of numbers and signs assignedto dial buttons of a cellular phone terminal, from the cellular phoneterminal being the applicant terminal.

The input part of a photographic subject image application inputs thephotographic subject identifier composed of numbers and signs assignedto dial buttons of a cellular phone terminal, from the cellular phoneterminal being the applicant terminal.

The photographic subject image registration part inputs the photographicsubject identifier composed of numbers and signs assigned to dialbuttons of a cellular phone terminal, from the cellular phone terminalbeing the photographer terminal.

The photographic subject image registration part inputs the photographicsubject identifier composed of numbers and signs assigned to dialbuttons of a cellular phone terminal, from the cellular phone terminalbeing the photographer terminal.

The input part of a photographic subject image application inputs thephotographic subject identifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets,and pause marks from a cellular phone terminal being the applicantterminal.

The input part of a photographic subject image application inputs thephotographic subject identifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets,and pause marks from a cellular phone terminal being the applicantterminal.

The photographic subject image registration part inputs the photographicsubject identifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pausemarks from a cellular phone terminal being the photographer terminal.

The photographic subject image registration part inputs the photographicsubject identifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pausemarks from a cellular phone terminal being the photographer terminal.

The photographic subject image registration part registers when theinput photographic subject identifier corresponds to the photographicsubject identifier included in the photographic subject list.

The photographic subject image registration part registers when; theinput photographic subject identifier corresponds to the photographicsubject identifier included in the photographic subject list.

The input part of photographic subject specification information furtherinputs a photograph equipment identifier for identifying photographequipment, the photographic subject list registration part furtherregisters the photographic subject list where an input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photographic subject identifier,and the photographic subject image registration part further inputs thephotograph equipment identifier for identifying the photograph equipmentused for photographing the image and registers when the input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photograph equipment identifierincluded in the photographic subject list.

The input part of photographic subject specification information furtherinputs a photograph equipment identifier for identifying photographequipment, the photographic subject list registration part furtherregisters the photographic subject list where an input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photographic subject identifier,and the photographic subject image registration part further inputs thephotograph equipment identifier for identifying the photograph equipmentused for photographing the image and registers when the input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photograph equipment identifierincluded in the photographic subject list.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a photographic subject imageintermediary distribution system according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an image registration server accordingto Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for registering aphotographic subject in the image registration server;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of acquiring a photographic subject list by anapplicant who applies for an acquisition of a photographic subjectimage;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of applying for an acquisition of a specificphotographic subject image;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of acquiring a photographic subject list by aphotographic subject image photographer;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of acquiring a photograph application collectionlist by the photographic subject image photographer;

FIG. 8 is a registration flowchart of registering a specificphotographic subject image in the image registration server;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of acquiring a registration image list by anapplicant who applies for an acquisition of a photographic subjectimage;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of acquiring a registration image of a specificphotographic subject image from the image registration server;

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a photographic subject imageintermediary distribution system according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a photographic subject identifiermanage server according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a photographic subject identifiermanage server according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of registering a photographic subject in aphotographic subject identifier manage server;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of acquiring list information from thephotographic subject identifier manage server by an image registrationserver;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of acquiring a photographic subject list forpublication by an applicant who applies for an acquisition of aphotographic subject image;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of acquiring the photographic subject list forpublication by a photographic subject image photographer;

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart in the case of having a function toselectively accept to register an image, according to Embodiment 7;

FIG. 19 shows a configuration of an image registration server accordingto Embodiment 8;

FIG. 20 shows a flow of a photographic subject registration whichincludes: inputting a photograph equipment identifier;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a registration judgment by using aphotograph equipment identifier, for the image registration server;

FIG. 22 shows a configuration of a photographic subject identifiermanage server according to Embodiment 9;

FIG. 23 shows a flow of registering photographic subject information anda photograph equipment identifier in the photographic subject identifiermanage server;

FIG. 24 shows a configuration of an image registration server accordingto Embodiment 9;

FIG. 25 shows a configuration illustrating a recording classificationsystem for an electronic still camera according to the conventional artexample 1;

FIG. 26 shows a photograph image specification using an image number anda transmission system described in “Digital Camera” according to theconventional art example 2;

FIG. 27 shows a configuration of information terminal side according toan image file management system by using a symbol ID described in theconventional art example 3;

FIG. 28 shows a configuration of database apparatus side according tothe conventional art example 3;

FIG. 29 shows contents of the database apparatus according to theconventional art example 3; and

FIG. 30 shows a role of a symbol list according to the conventional artexample 3.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Terms will be explained first. “Intermediary distribution of aphotographic subject image” aims to intermediate a person who canphotograph an image of a specific photographic subject and offer thephotographed image, called a photographer henceforth, and a person whowants to acquire an image of a specific photographic subject, called anapplicant henceforth, to provide a desired photographic subject imagefor the applicant through a data communications network as immediatelyas possible, to enable the photographer to photograph a photographicsubject image with effectively utilizing his or her opportunity ofphotographing the subject, and to enable the photographer to provide thephotographic subject image to people as many as possible who need toacquire the photographic subject image.

A photographic subject registrant indicates a person who proposes aphotographic subject as an object of the intermediary distribution of aphotographic subject image. An applicant, a photographer, or the thirdparty can be the registrant. Photographic subject registration iscomposed of steps of inputting information which specifies thephotographic subject and assigning a photographic subject identifiercorresponding to the photographic subject. When the photographic subjectidentifier is not yet assigned to the photographic subject which isdesired to be photographed, an applicant can be a photographic subjectregistrant. Regarding the photographic subject which the photographerjudges to be worth registering in an image registration server though aphotographic subject identifier has not yet been assigned to thephotographic subject, the photographer as a photographic subjectregistrant can request to assign a photographic subject identifier tothe photographic subject.

The photographic subject implies all the things that can be an object ofphotography, such as a still life, an animal, a man, and a moving thing.The information for specifying the photographic subject is photographicsubject specification information. Regarding a scene, if there is enoughphotographic subject information which uniquely defines the scene asonly one photographic subject object, the scene can be a photographicsubject.

A photographic subject identifier is composed of character elements tobe used in common in various portable equipment, such as dial buttonelements of a cellular phone: 01#427453.

Embodiment 1.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a photographic subject imageintermediary distribution system according to Embodiment 1. This systemis a photographic subject list limited display type system in which animage registration server assigns a photographic subject identifier.

An image registration server 1 connected to a data communicationsnetwork takes charge of intermediary distribution of a photographicsubject image, image storage, and so forth, and is managed by an imageregistration server manager.

A photographic subject registrant 2 registers a photographic subject forthe photographic subject image intermediary distribution, and a personalcomputer 29 is connected to the data communications network used by thephotographic subject registrant 2. The photographic subject registrant 2notifies the image registration server 1 of photographic subjectspecification information for specifying a photographic subject, byusing a personal computer 29.

A data communications network 3 is herein described as the Internetutilizing IP (Internet Protocol) as an example.

An image registration server manager 4 which manages the imageregistration server 1, specifies a photographic subject based on thephotographic subject specification information notified by thephotographic subject registrant 2, and assigns a photographic subjectidentifier to the photographic subject.

5 denotes a photographic subject image acquisition applicant. 6 denotesa cellular phone with a display screen, which the applicant 5 utilizes.7 denotes a photographic subject image photographer who photographs aphotographic subject image. 8 denotes a cellular phone with a digitalcamera function, which the photographer 7 uses. 9 denotes a photographicsubject. Both of the cellular phone 6 with a display screen and thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function have the function ofconnecting to the data communications network 3 by using wireless phonecircuits.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the image registration server accordingto Embodiment 1. An input part 11 of photographic subject specificationinformation is for the image registration server manager 4. The imageregistration server manager 4 inputs a photographic subject identifierwhich is assigned to a photographic subject by the image registrationserver manager 4 itself, with photographic subject specificationinformation, via the input part 11 of photographic subject specificationinformation of the image registration server 1. Then, the imageregistration server manager 4 produces a photographic subject list onthe image registration server 1.

In the configuration of a photographic subject list 12, pairs ofphotographic subject specification information 30 registered by thephotographic subject registrant 2 and photographic subject identifiersassigned by the image registration server manager 4 to be correspondingto the photographic subject specification information are arranged. Thenumber of the pairs is the number of registered photographic subjects.

A photographic subject list registration part 13 is used by the imageregistration server manager 4 to input the photographic subject list 12which is composed of the photographic subject specification informationand the photographic subject identifier.

A photographic subject list disclose part 14 is for disclosing thephotographic subject list 12 belonging to the image registration server1 to the applicant and the photographer as a form of a home page throughthe data communications network 3.

An input part 15 of a photographic subject image application is forreceiving an application from the applicant 5 based on a photographicsubject identifier used for obtaining an image of a photographic subjectwhich the applicant 5 wants to acquire. In this example, the input part15 of a photographic subject image application receives a photographicsubject identifier which the applicant 5 input using the cellular phone6 with a display screen via the data communications network 3.

A photograph application collection list 16 is a list where thephotographic subject identifiers input from the input part 15 of aphotographic subject image application are collected.

A disclose part 17 of photograph application collection list is fordisclosing the photograph application collection list 16 to thephotographer 7.

A photographic subject image registration part 18 is for receiving aphotographic subject image photographed by the photographer 7 using thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function via the datacommunications network 3.

A registration image list 20 is a list where photographic subject imagesregistered in the image registration server 1 are collected.

An input part 21 of a distribution image photographic subject identifieris for receiving a designation of the image to be distributed, based onthe photographic subject identifier from the applicant 5.

30 denotes photographic subject specification information for specifyinga photographic subject, and 31 denotes a photographic subject identifierassigned to a photographic subject. A registration image distributionpart 32 distributes a registered photographic subject image to theapplicant 5 through the data communications network 3.

Next, a processing flow will be explained. First, the procedure for thephotographic subject registrant 2's registering a photographic subjectinto the image registration server 1 via the data communications network3 using the personal computer 29 will be described with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for registering thephotographic subject in the image registration server. The photographicsubject registrant 2 inputs information for specifying a photographicsubject in the personal computer 29 (S200). When a restaurant managementcompany having a plurality of chain stores uses this system for graspingthe situation of each store, (this case is called Embodiment 1-A),photographic subject specification information for specifying thelocation of a restaurant, a parking lot, each seat, a kitchen, theinside of a refrigerator and so forth is input as the photographicsubject specification information. When a gas utility company uses thisinvention for grasping a construction situation, (this case is calledEmbodiment 1-B), information for specifying the location of aconstruction, piping, each construction equipment, a meter and so forthis input.

Such photographic subject specification information 30 is sent to theimage registration server 1 through the data communications network 3(S201). The photographic subject specification information 30 sent tothe image registration server 1 is received and registered through theinput part 11 of photographic subject specification information (S202).

Then, after checking whether it is possible to specify a photographicsubject by using the registered photographic subject specificationinformation 30, the image registration server manager 4 assigns thephotographic subject identifier 31 to each photographic subjectspecification information 30 (S203).

Next, an input is performed into the photographic subject list 12through the photographic subject list registration part 13 (S204), andthe photographic subject list 12 is completed.

The created photographic subject list 12 is disclosed to the applicant 5and the photographer 7 through the photographic subject list disclosepart 14 of the image registration server 1. Specifically, thephotographic subject list disclose part 14 displays the photographicsubject list 12 on the home page of the image registration server 1(S205). Moreover, the image registration server manager 4 distributesthe photographic subject list 12 to the applicant and the photographerin the form of a document if needed. The procedure for the applicant 5'sacquiring the photographic subject list 12 disclosed by thisphotographic subject list disclose part 14 via the data communicationsnetwork 3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is aflowchart of receiving a photographic subject list by an applicant whowants to acquire a photographic subject image. First, the applicant 5requests to acquire the photographic subject list 12 by using portableequipment, such as the cellular phone 6 with a display screen (S222).The cellular phone 6 with a display screen accesses the photographicsubject list disclose part 14 via the data communications network 3, andtries to download the photographic subject list 12 shown on the homepage of the image registration server 1. In the image registrationserver 1, when the request of download of the photographic subject list12 is transmitted through the photographic subject list disclose part14, the photographic subject list 12 is downloaded to the cellular phone6 with a display screen (S224). In the cellular phone 6 with a displayscreen, the downloaded photographic subject list 12 is displayed and thenext selection by the applicant 5 is awaited (S225).

The procedure for the applicant 5's applying for the input of a specificphotographic subject image by will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchartof applying for an acquisition of a specific photographic subject image.For example, in Embodiment 1-A, when the administration of therestaurant management company wants to check a situation of visitors ina restaurant and a situation inside the kitchen, the administrationnotifies the image registration server 1 that the administration wantsto receive a specific image of a photographic subject. In Embodiment1-B, an operator of the management server who is checking a situation ofthe construction place, as the applicant 5, inputs a photographicsubject identifier 31 from the cellular phone 6 with a display screen.

The applicant 5 can know a photographic subject identifier of thephotographic subject image which the applicant wants to receive, fromthe photographic subject list 12 obtained in the previous procedure, andinputs the photographic subject identifier 31 through the cellular phone6 with a display screen (FIG. 5, S206). The cellular phone 6 with adisplay screen transmits the input photographic subject identifier 31 tothe image registration server 1 via the data communications network 3(S207). In the image registration server 1 side, this request istransmitted through the input part 15 of a photographic subject imageapplication, and the photographic subject identifier is added to thephotograph application collection list 16. The photograph applicationcollection list 16 is disclosed on the home page of the imageregistration server 1 through the disclose part 17 of photographapplication collection list in the same way as above mentioned, and tophotograph the photographic subject by the photographer 7 is announced(S208).

Next, the procedure for the photographer 7's acquiring the photographicsubject list 12 on the image registration server 1 will now beexplained. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the photographic subject imagephotographer's acquiring the photographic subject list. By dint of thisprocedure, the photographer 7 can know which photographic subject isregistered in the image registration server 1. The photographic subjectimage photographer 7 requests to acquire the photographic subject list12 so that specification of a photographic subject can be promptlyperformed later at the time of collecting photographs (S226). Thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function requests to acquire thephotographic subject list 12 from the image registration server 1 viathe data communications network 3 (S227). The image registration server1 receives this request through the photographic subject list disclosepart 14, and discloses the photographic subject list 12 toward thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function (S228). The cellularphone 8 with a digital camera function receives the photographic subjectlist 12, and stores it in the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction. According to a request from the photographer 7, the cellularphone 8 with a digital camera function searches the photographic subjectspecification information 30 in the photographic subject list 12, usingthe photographic subject identifier 31 as a reference key.

Then, the procedure for the photographer 7's acquiring the photographapplication collection list 16 and knowing a photograph of a specificphotographic subject is being collected will be explained. FIG. 7 is aflowchart of acquiring the photograph application collection list by thephotographic subject image photographer.

The photographer 7 directs the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction to acquire the photograph application collection list 16(S247). The photographer 7 can know that a photograph collection of aphotographic subject is being performed, based on the photographapplication collection list 16. In response to this direction, thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function begins to communicatewith the disclose part 17 of photograph application collection list ofthe image registration server 1 through the data communications network3 (S248). Then, using the disclose part 17 of photograph applicationcollection list, the image registration server 1 displays the photographapplication collection list 16 on the home page of the imageregistration server 1 for instance, and goes to the operation ofdownload of the photograph application collection list 16 in response tothe request from the cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function(S249).

The cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function receives thephotograph application collection list 16, and displays the receivedphotographic subject identifier 31 and the photographic subjectspecification information 30 relevant to the received photographicsubject identifier in the photographic subject list 12 which has beenalready obtained, on the display screen of the photograph applicationcollection list 16 (S250). By dint of this, information about aphotographic subject whose photograph is being collected is shown to thephotographic subject image photographer 7.

Next, the procedures from photographing a photographic subject by thephotographer 7 to registering the photographed subject image in theimage registration server 1 will be explained. FIG. 8 is a registrationflowchart of registering a specific photographic subject image in theimage registration server.

The photographer 7 receives the photograph application collection list16 by the above-mentioned procedure, and specifies the photographicsubject whose photograph is being collected, by way of comparing thephotograph application collection list 16 with the photographic subjectlist 12. When possible for the photographer 7 to photograph thephotographic subject, the photographer 7 takes a photo of thephotographic subject using the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction (S209), and the photographed photographic subject image isstored in the cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function (S210).The photographer 7 inputs a photographic subject identifier of thephotographed subject into the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction (S211), and the photographic subject identifier is stored inthe cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function (S212). Then, thephotographer 7 directs the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction to register the photographic subject image, into the imageregistration server 1 (S213). The cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction sends the photographic subject image with the photographicsubject identifier to the image registration server 1 via: the datacommunications network 3 (S214). The sent photographic subject image andthe photographic subject identifier are received at the photographicsubject image registration part 18 in the image registration server 1.The received photographic subject image is stored in the imageregistration server 1 (S215), and the received photographic subjectidentifier is added to the registration image list 20 (S216).Furthermore, the registration image list 20 is disclosed via the datacommunications network 3 using a registration image list disclose part19 (S217). By these procedures, the applicant 5 is notified that theimage of the photographic subject 9 which has been applied wasphotographed and registered in the image registration server 1.

Now, the procedure for acquiring the registration image list 20 by theapplicant 5 will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of acquiring theregistration image list by an applicant who applies for an acquisitionof a photographic subject image. For the purpose of checking whether ornot the applied photographic subject image has been sent to the imageregistration server 1, the applicant 5 requests to acquire theregistration image list 20 from the cellular phone 6 with a displayscreen (S251). The cellular phone 6 with a display screen communicateswith the registration image list disclose part 19 through the datacommunications network 3 (S252). The image registration server 1discloses the registration image list 20 through the registration imagelist disclose part 19, and transmits the registration image list 20 tothe cellular phone 6 with a display screen on demand of the cellularphone 6 with a display screen (S253). The cellular phone 6 with adisplay screen which received the registration image list 20 shows thesituation to the applicant 5. The cellular phone 6 with a display screenextracts the photographic subject identifier obtained from theregistration image list 20 and the photographic subject specificationinformation 30 obtained from the photographic subject list 12 to becorresponding to the photographic subject identifier, and displays thephotographic subject identifier and the photographic subjectspecification information 30 on the display screen (S254). If the imageof the photographic subject which the applicant requested is registeredin the registration image list 20, the applicant 5 requires to downloadthe photographic subject image from the image registration server 1.

Next, the procedure for downloading a specific photographic subjectimage from the image registration server 1 to the cellular phone 6 witha display screen will be explained. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of acquiringa registration image of a specific photographic subject image from theimage registration server. The applicant 5 can know whether the imagewhich he applied to acquire is registered or not from the registrationimage list 20. When registered, the photographic subject identifier isinput in order to obtain the photographic subject image (S218). Thecellular phone 6 with a display screen notifies the image registrationserver 1 of the input photographic subject identifier via the datacommunications network 3 (S219). After receiving the photographicsubject identifier of he photographic subject image and an acquisitionrequest for the photographic subject image via the input part 21 of adistribution image photographic subject identifier, the imageregistration server 1 checks whether or not the photographic subjectimage exists in the registration image list 20. The image registrationserver 1 enables the download of a specified photographic subject imageto the cellular phone 6 with a display screen, by using the registrationimage distribution part 32 (S220). In the cellular phone 6 with adisplay screen, the downloaded photographic subject image is displayedon the display screen (S221).

According to the above procedures, the applicant 5 can have an image ofa desired photographic subject photographed by the photographer 7 andcan receive distribution of the photographed photographic subject image,through the image registration server 1 and the data communicationsnetwork 3.

In these procedures, the photographic subject identifier 31 is used forthe method of the applicant 5's specifying the photographic subjectwhose image the applicant wants to acquire, with respect to the imageregistration server 1. Furthermore, the photographic subject identifier31 is used for specifying a photographic subject which the photographer7 is requested to photograph and used for clarifying which image belongsto which photographic subject when photographed subject image is beingregistered in the image registration server 1. Moreover, thephotographic subject identifier 31 is used for searching a photographicsubject image to be downloaded by the applicant 5 from the imageregistration server 1. By dint of this, a simplified processing and anelectronic processing of the intermediary distribution operation of thephotographic subject image through the image registration server 1 andthe data communications network 3 can be realized.

Embodiment 2.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a photographic subject imageintermediary distribution system according to Embodiment 2. This systemis a photographic subject list open display type in which a photographicsubject identifier manage server assigns a photographic subjectidentifier.

In FIG. 11, the following are the same configuration elements as thosein FIG. 1: the image registration server 1, the photographic subjectregistrant 2, the data communications network 3, the image registrationserver manager 4, the photographic subject image acquisition applicant5, the cellular phone 6 with a display screen, the photographic subjectimage photographer 7, the cellular phone 8 with a digital camerafunction, and the photographic subject 9. However, the configurationelements inside the image registration server 1 differ from those ofFIG. 1. 28 denotes a photographic subject identifier manage server,connected to the data communications network 3, which manages aphotographic subject list to be open to the public. 27 denotes aphotographic subject identifier manager which manages the photographicsubject identifier manage server.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration of the photographic subject identifiermanage server 28 according to Embodiment 2. The input part 11 ofphotographic subject specification information, the photographic subjectlist registration part 13, and the photographic subject list disclosepart 14 are the same elements as those included in the imageregistration server 1 of FIG. 2. 22 denotes an open photographic subjectlist, and the photographic subject specification information 30 and thephotographic subject identifier 31 which are included in the openphotographic subject list 22 are the same elements as those included inthe photographic subject list 12 in the image registration server 1 ofFIG. 2. However, the photographic subject specification information 30and photographic subject identifier 31 registered in the openphotographic subject list 22 are open to the public through thephotographic subject list disclose part 14 without being limited, whichdiffers from the case of the image registration server photographicsubject list 12 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the photographic subject identifiermanage server according to Embodiment 2. The photographic subject listdisclose part 14, the input part 15 of a photographic subject imageapplication, the photograph application collection list 16, the disclosepart 17 of photograph application collection list, the photographicsubject image registration part 18, the registration image list disclosepart 19, the registration image list 20, and the input part 21 of adistribution image photographic subject identifier are the same elementsas those included in the image registration server 1 of FIG. 2. An openphotographic subject list collection part 23 collects the openphotographic subject list 22 from the photographic subject identifiermanage server 28. A photographic subject list 24 for publication iscomposed of a part of the open photographic subject list 22 which theimage registration server 1 received from the photographic subjectidentifier manage server 28, and the photographic subject list 24 forpublication relates to photographic subjects whose photographic subjectidentifiers have been open to the public. 32 denotes the same element asthat having the same number shown in FIG. 2.

First, the procedure for the photographic subject registrant 2'sregistering a photographic subject into the photographic subjectidentifier manage server 28 via the data communications network 3 usingthe personal computer 29 will be explained.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of registering the photographic subject in thephotographic subject identifier manage server. When the photographicsubject registrant 2 wants to give a photographic subject identifierhaving been disclosed to a certain photographic subject, thephotographic subject registrant 2 inputs photographic subjectspecification information using the personal computer 29 (S230). Thepersonal computer 29 applies for registration of a photographic subjectto the photographic subject identifier manage server 28 via the datacommunications network 3 (S231). As an example of the photographicsubject registrant 2, staffs of the public institutions (for example,the police, a fire-fighting office, etc.) who have the necessity ofpromptly knowing the situation of the accident and the calamity spot canbe cited. It is intended to specify and register the photographicsubject concerning the accident and the calamity and to obtain an imageof the photographic subject (this case is called Embodiment 2-A). It isalso intended when a shop owner wants to advertise his commodities byhaving many and unspecified men look at them arranged in his own store,he registers a showcase of the store as a photographic subject (thiscase is called Embodiment 2-B). In each case, specification of the placeof the accident and the calamity spot, specification of the object,specification of the address or name of the store, specification of theshowcase, etc. can be the photographic subject specification information30.

The photographic subject identifier manage server 28 receives thisphotographic subject specification information through the input part 11of photographic subject specification information, and stores it in theopen photographic subject list 22 (S232). Then, the photographic subjectidentifier manager 27 judges whether the photographic subject identifierto be open can be assigned to this photographic subject or not, based onthe photographic subject specification information. If judged it isacceptable to assign, (S233), the photographic subject identifier 31 isinput by using the photographic subject list registration part 13, andthe open photographic subject list 22 is completed (S234). After theopen photographic subject list 22 is completed, the photographic subjectidentifier manage server 28 discloses the open photographic subject list22 to the public through the data communications network 3 using thephotographic subject list disclose part 14 (S235).

If it is judged assigning the photographic subject identifier to be openis not appropriate in S233 at the above procedure, photographic subjectidentifier 31 is not assigned to the photographic subject specificationinformation 30.

For example, as for a photographic subject registration aiming atinformation acquisition of the accident and the calamity spot by menother than a specific public institution pursuer, or a photographicsubject registration aiming at the showcase photography of a specificstore to which the shopkeeper has not given consent, a photographicsubject identifier to be open may not be assigned.

Next, the procedure for the image registration server 1's reading a partof the open photographic subject list 22 from the photographic subjectidentifier manage server 28, and creating the photographic subject list24 for publication will be explained.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of acquiring list information from thephotographic subject identifier manage server by the image registrationserver. Via the data communications network 3, the image registrationserver 1 which can be communicated with the photographic subjectidentifier manage server 28 reads the open photographic subject list 22disclosed on the photographic subject identifier manage server 28 byusing the open photographic subject list collection part 23 (S236). Thephotographic subject identifier manage server 28 discloses the openphotographic subject list 22 through the photographic subject listdisclose part 14, and gives the photographic subject specificationinformation 30 and the photographic subject identifier 31 of the openphotographic subject list 22 to the image registration server 1responsive to the demand of the image registration server 1 (S237). Theimage registration server 1 obtains the photographic subjectspecification information 30 and the photographic subject identifier 31about the photographic subject which the image registration server 1needs, from the open photographic subject list 22 using the openphotographic subject list collection part 23, and creates thephotographic subject list 24 for publication. Furthermore, thephotographic subject list 24 for publication is disclosed to the publicthrough the data communications network 3 using the photographic subjectlist disclose part 14 on the image registration server 1 (S238). At thistime, the image registration server manager 4 selects the photographicsubject to be displayed on the photographic subject list 24 forpublication.

Then, the procedure for the applicant 5's acquiring the photographicsubject list 24 for publication on the image registration server 1 viathe data communications network 3 will be explained. FIG. 16 is aflowchart of acquiring the photographic subject list for publication bya photographic subject image acquisition applicant.

The applicant 5 requests to acquire the photographic subject list 24 forpublication, by using portable equipment, such as the cellular phone 6with a display screen (S239). The cellular phone 6 with a display screenaccesses the photographic subject list disclose part 14 via the datacommunications network 3, and tries to read the photographic subjectlist 24 for publication displayed on the home page of the imageregistration server 1 (S240). In the image registration server 1, whenthe request for reading the photographic subject list 24 for publicationis transmitted through the photographic subject list disclose part 14,the whole or a part, if needed, of the photographic subject list 24 forpublication is transmitted to the cellular phone 6 with a display screen(S241). In the cellular phone 6 with a display screen, the readphotographic subject list 24 for publication is displayed, and the nextselection from the applicant 5 is awaited (S242).

The operation of the image registration server 1 after this step is thesame as that of FIG. 5. Namely, in the case of Embodiment 2-A, thespecific public institution pursuer who has registered the photographicsubject becomes the applicant 5 and inputs the photographic subjectidentifier 31 of the photographic subject 9 from the cellular phone 6with a display screen (S206). The input photographic subject identifier31 is added to the photograph application collection list 16 through theinput part 15 of a photographic subject image application of the imageregistration server 1 via the data communications network 3 (S207). Thisphotograph application collection list 16 is disclosed on the home pageof the image registration server 1 through the disclose part 17 ofphotograph application collection list. Thereby, to photograph thephotographic subject by the photographer 7 is announced (S208).

Next, the procedure for the photographer 7's acquiring the photographicsubject list 24 for publication on the image registration server 1 willnow be explained. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of acquiring the photographicsubject list for publication by the photographic subject imagephotographer. By dint of this procedure, the photographer 7 can knowwhich photographic subject is registered in the image registrationserver 1. The photographic subject image photographer 7 requests toacquire the photographic subject list 24 for publication so thatspecifying a photographic subject can be promptly performed later at thetime of collecting photographs (S243). The cellular phone 8 with adigital camera function requests to acquire the photographic subjectlist 24 for publication from the image registration server 1 via thedata communications network 3 (S244). The image registration server 1receives this request through the photographic subject list disclosepart 14, and discloses the photographic subject list 24 for publicationtoward the cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function (S245). Thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function receives thephotographic subject list 24 for publication, and stores it in thecellular phone 8 with a digital camera function. According to therequest from the photographer 7, the photographic subject list 24 forpublication is utilized when the photographic subject specificationinformation 30 is searched using the photographic subject identifier 31as a reference key.

The procedure by which the photographer 7 knows that a photograph of aspecific photographic subject is being collected based on the photographapplication collection list 16 is the same as that of FIG. 7.

Then, the procedures for the photographer 7 who has known a photographicsubject whose photograph is being collected, taking a photograph of thephotographic subject, sending the photographic subject image and thephotographic subject identifier to the image registration server 1, andregistering the photographic subject identifier of the photographedphotographic subject in the registration image list 20 are the same asthose of FIG. 8 (from S209 to S217).

Furthermore, the procedures for the applicant 5's acquiring theregistration image list 20 through the cellular phone 6 with a displayscreen (from S251 to S254), and consequently the applicant 5'sdownloading the photographic subject image from the image registrationserver 1 when it is found that the photographic subject image which theapplicant applied for acquiring is registered in the image registrationserver 1 (from S218 to S221) are the same as those of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10respectively.

In this way, the specific public institution pursuer being the applicant5 can receive the photographic subject image for which the applicantapplied, at the cellular phone 6 with a display screen, and can displaythe received photographic subject image on the display screen.

In the case of Embodiment 2-B, the shopkeeper who has performedregistration corresponds to the photographer 7. The shopkeeper acquiresthe photographic subject list 24 for publication in order to check thatthe photographic subject identifier 31 of his store is displayed on thephotographic subject list 24 for publication of the image registrationservers 1 and to check if it is possible to register the photographicsubject 9 (from S243 to S246). Then, the shopkeeper who has checked thatthe photographic subject identifier 31 has been assigned to the showcaseof his store and it is possible to register the photographic subjectimage in the image registration server 1 becomes the photographer 7.Then, the shopkeeper being the photographer 7 photographs the showcaseof the store which is the photographic subject 9 using the cellularphone 8 with a digital camera function, and registers the photographicsubject image in the image registration server 1 using a photographicsubject identifier (from S209 to S217). Thereby, the photographicsubject image is stored in the image registration server 1 through thephotographic subject image registration part 18, and the photographicsubject identifier is added to the registration image list 20. Theregistration image list 20 is disclosed by the registration image listdisclose part 19.

On the other hand, the applicant 5 acquires the photographic subjectlist 24 for publication of the image registration servers 1 as shown inFIG. 16 (from S239 to S242), and checks whether the photographic subjectimage which the applicant wants to acquire corresponds to thephotographic subject identifier 31 disclosed publicly. This procedure isskipped if the photographic subject identifier of the photographicsubject image which the applicant wants to acquire has already beenknown.

The procedure for downloading a specific photographic subject image fromthe image registration server 1 to the cellular phone 6 with a displayscreen is the same as that of FIG. 10. In this procedure, thephotographic subject identifier 31 is used for the method of theapplicant 5's specifying the photographic subject whose image theapplicant 5 wants to acquire, with respect to the image registrationserver 1. In Embodiment 2-A, the photographic subject identifier 31 isused for specifying the photographic subject which the photographer 7 isrequested to photograph. Furthermore, in both the cases of Embodiment2-A and 2-B, the photographic subject identifier 31 is used forclarifying which image belongs to which photographic subject whenphotographed subject image is being registered in the image registrationserver 1. Moreover, the photographic subject identifier 31 is used forspecifying a photographic subject image to be downloaded by theapplicant 5 from the image registration server 1. By dint of this, asimplified processing and an electronic processing of the intermediarydistribution operation of the photographic subject image through theimage registration server 1 and the data communications network 3 can berealized.

Embodiment 3.

In this Embodiment, the photographic subject identifier is composed onlyof the numbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assigned to the dialbuttons of a cellular phone. For instance, the photographic subjectidentifier “01#427453” is assigned to the photographic subject of “ashow window of a certain store” and the photographic subject identifier“15#520594” is assigned to the photographic subject of “a specific carwhich a certain man owns”.

The processing flow is the same as that of Embodiment 1. Since thephotographic subject identifier is composed as mentioned above, theapplicant 5 can input the photographic subject identifier by justselecting and pressing the dial button of the cellular phone 6 with adisplay screen (S206 of FIG. 5, and S218 of FIG. 10). For, example, thebuttons “01#427453” are pushed down.

Moreover, in the case of Embodiment 2, if the photographic subjectidentifiers which have been open to the public are composed only of thenumbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assigned to the dial buttonsof the cellular phone, the acquisition application of a photographicsubject image can be performed by the same procedure.

Embodiment 4.

In this Embodiment, the photographic subject identifier is also composedonly of the numbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assigned to thedial buttons of a cellular phone. The photographic subject identifier“01#427453” is assigned to the photographic subject of “a show window ofa certain store”.

The processing flow is the same as that of Embodiment 1. Since thephotographic subject identifier is composed only of the numbers from 0to 9 and the signs * and # assigned to the dial buttons of a cellularphone, the photographer 7 can register a photographic subject image intothe image registration sever 1 by just selecting and pressing the dialbutton of the cellular phone (S211 of FIG. 8).

Moreover, in the case of Embodiment 2, if the photographic subjectidentifiers which have been open to the public are composed only of thenumbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assigned to the dial buttonsof the cellular phone, the registration of a photographed subject imageinto the image registration server 1 can be simply performed by the sameprocedure.

Embodiment 5.

In this Embodiment, the photographic subject identifier is composed onlyof the alphabets, the numbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assignedto the dial buttons of a cellular phone, and the pause marks of thealphabet. Other respects are the same as those in Embodiment 3.

Embodiment 6.

In this Embodiment, the photographic subject identifier is composed onlyof the alphabets, the numbers from 0 to 9 and the signs * and # assignedto the dial buttons of a cellular phone, and the pause marks of thealphabet. Other respects are the same as those in Embodiment 4.

Embodiment 7

When an image of a photographed specific photographic subject is to beregistered in the image registration server, FIG. 18 shows a flowchartin the case of having the function to selectively accept to register theimage in the image registration server 1 based on whether a photographicsubject identifier has been previously registered in the photographicsubject list or not.

The processes from S209 through S214 are the same as those of FIG. 8.The image registration server 1 receives a photographic subject imageand its photographic subject identifier 31 from the cellular phone 8with a digital camera function by the photographic subject imageregistration part 18 (S215). It is checked whether or not the receivedphotographic subject identifier exists in the photographic subject list12 (S255). When the received photographic subject identifier 31 existsin the photographic subject list 12, the photographic subject image andits photographic subject identifier 31 are stored in the imageregistration server 1, and the received photographic subject identifier31 is written in the registration image list 20 (S216). Futureprocedures after this are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

On the other hand, when the photographic subject identifier 31 appendedto the photographic subject image does not exist in the photographicsubject list 12, the image registration server 1 cancels the receivedphotographic subject image (S256), and refuses to receive thephotographic subject image. Thus, it is possible to refuse theregistration of the photographic subject image whose photographicsubject identifier is not registered in the photographic subject list12.

Embodiment 8.

FIG. 19 shows a configuration of the image registration server accordingto Embodiment 8. An input part 25 of photographic subject specificationinformation & a photograph equipment identifier inputs photographicsubject specification information and a photograph equipment identifierinto the image registration server. A photograph equipment identifier 33is input by the photographic subject registrant 2 using the input part25 of photographic subject specification information & photographequipment identifier, and displayed in the photographic subject list 12.The photograph equipment identifier is used for specifying a photographequipment to take a photograph. Other configuration elements are thesame as those shown in FIG. 1.

A processing flow will be explained. FIG. 20 shows a flow of aphotographic subject registration which includes inputting a photographequipment identifier. The photographic subject registrant 2 registers aphotographic subject into the image registration server 1 via the datacommunications network 3 by using the personal computer 29, which is thesame way as that in FIG. 3. At this time, a photograph equipmentidentifier is input. The photograph equipment identifier is informationfor specifying equipment to photograph. For example, in a cellular phonewith a digital camera, the cellular phone number which specifies theterminal can be utilized. The photographic subject registrant 2registers photographic subject information and a photograph equipmentidentifier for specifying a photographic subject by using the personalcomputer 29 (S200-2, S201-2).

When a gas utility company uses the present invention for the use ofgrasping a construction situation, information which specifies aphotographic subject, such as a construction apparatus and a meter, isinput respectively. Then, the cellular phone number of the cellularphone with a digital camera function which is used for photographingthese photographic subjects is input as a photograph equipmentidentifier. As a background of specifying a photograph equipment, thereis a reason that it should be limited to the person who has a specificqualification or the person who had a course, to photograph aphotographic subject, such as a construction apparatus and a meter. Thephotographic subject specification information 30 and the photographequipment identifier 33 are received through the input part 25 ofphotographic subject specification information & photograph equipmentidentifier of the image registration server 1 (S202-2). When it is notnecessary to specify the photograph equipment for photographing aphotographic subject, the same process as that of FIG. 3 is performed.

The image registration server manager 4 assigns the photographic subjectidentifier 31 to the photographic subject specification information 30to complete the photographic subject list 12 (S204). If the photographequipment identifier 33 has also been received at this time, thephotograph equipment identifier 33 is registered into the photographicsubject list 12 to be corresponding to the photographic subjectidentifier 31 (S205-2).

The process of disclosing the photographic subject list 12 is performedin the same way as FIG. 3. Then, an application is executed by theapplicant 5 (from S206 to S207), and the photograph applicationcollection list 16 is disclosed (S208). This is also the same as that ofEmbodiment 1.

The photographer 7 checks whether his photograph equipment (for example,a cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function) is the specifiedphotograph equipment for the photographic subject indicated by thephotographic subject identifier 31 in the photographic subject list 12.For instance, if a telephone number of a cellular phone with a digitalcamera function has been already registered as the photograph equipmentidentifier 33 by the photographic subject registrant 2, the photographer7 can know whether his cellular phone 8 with a digital camera functionis the specified equipment or not before taking a photograph.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a registration judgment by using aphotograph equipment identifier, for the image registration server.After the photographer 7 photographing the photographic subject 9(S209), he registers the photographed photographic subject image intothe image registration server 1 (from S210 to S214). It is possible forthe photographer 7 to try to register the photographic subject imagefrom the cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function to the imageregistration server 1 through the data communications network 3, even ifthe photographer 7 does not check whether the photograph equipmentidentifier 33 of his cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function iswritten in the photographic subject list 12 or not (from S213 to S214).The cellular phone 8 with a digital camera function notifies thephotographic subject image registration part 18 of the photographequipment identifier 33 (for example, a dispatch number of a cellularphone) (S215-2). The photographic subject image registration part 18which was notified of the photograph equipment identifier specifies thephotograph equipment identifier 33 in the photographic subject list 12to be corresponding to the photographic subject identifier 31 appendedto the sent photographic subject image. Then, the specified photographequipment identifier 33 in the photographic subject list 12 is comparedwith the sent photograph equipment identifier (S255-2). If thephotographic subject image was taken by the specified portableequipment, the photographic subject image will be registered into theimage registration server 1 (S216). If the photographic subject imagewas taken by portable equipment other than the specified portableequipment, the image registration server 1 can refuse the registrationof the sent photographic subject image (S256). Subsequent operations arethe same as those in Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 9.

FIG. 22 shows a configuration of the photographic subject identifiermanage server according to Embodiment 9. The input part 25 ofphotographic subject specification information & a photograph equipmentidentifier inputs photographic subject specification information and aphotograph equipment identifier into the image registration server. Thephotograph equipment identifier 33 is input by the photographic subjectregistrant 2 using the input part 25 of photographic subjectspecification information & photograph equipment identifier, anddisplayed in the open photographic subject list 22. The photographequipment identifier is as stated above. The input part 25 ofphotographic subject specification information & a photograph equipmentidentifier, and the photograph equipment identifier 33 have the samefunctions as those in Embodiment 8. Other configuration elements are thesame as those shown in FIG. 4.

The operation of a registration processing of a photograph equipmentidentifier will now be explained. FIG. 23 shows a flow of registeringphotographic subject information and a photograph equipment identifierin the photographic subject identifier manage server. At the time ofregistering a photographic subject, the photographic subject registrant2 also registers a photograph equipment identifier. The photographicsubject registrant 2 registers photographic subject information forspecifying a photographic subject and a photograph equipment identifierby using the personal computer 29 (S230-2, S231-2). These photographicsubject information and photograph equipment identifier are transmittedto the input part 25 of photographic subject specification information &photograph equipment identifier, of the photographic subject identifiermanage server 28 via the data communications network 3 (S232-2). Thephotographic subject specification information 30 and the photographequipment identifier 33 are written in the open photographic subjectlist 22 of the photographic subject identifier manage servers 28, andthe photographic subject identifier 31 is assigned to the photographicsubject by the photographic subject identifier manager 27 (S233). Thephotographic subject identifier 31 is input to complete the openphotographic subject list 22 through the photographic subject listregistration part 13 (S234). The completed open photographic subjectlist 22 is disclosed to the public by the photographic subject listdisclose part 14 (S235).

FIG. 24 shows a configuration of the image registration server accordingto Embodiment 9. Based on the process of FIG. 15, the image registrationserver 1 collects, via the data communications network 3 by using theopen photographic subject list collection part 23, the photographicsubject specification information 30, the photographic subjectidentifier 31 and the photograph equipment identifier 33 about thephotographic subject to be displayed in his photographic subject list 24for publication, from the open photographic subject list 22 disclosed onthe photographic subject identifier manage server 28 (S236, S237). Theimage registration server manager 4 selects only the photographicsubject which the image registration server 1 discloses, and the imageregistration server manager 4 puts the selected photographic subject inthe photographic subject list 24 for publication. Then, the photographicsubject list 24 for publication is disclosed through the datacommunications network 3 by the photographic subject list disclose part14 (S238). Subsequent operations are the same as those of Embodiment 8.

In executing the present invention, it is necessary to consider therights to a portrait of the photographic subject, the copyright of thephotographic subject, and the ownership of the photographic subject.Especially, the image registration server manager and the photographicsubject identification manager need to be very cautious about eachprocedure. If the execution of the present invention is limited to beperformed only in the company, there is a possibility that theabove-mentioned consideration might be less.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, as explained with reference toEmbodiments 1-A and 1-B, the procedure of application to acquire aphotographic subject image which an applicant wants to acquire,performed for the image registration server by the applicant can besimplified by using a photographic subject identifier, and theapplication can be simply performed by utilizing a cellular phone.Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to easilyinform a photographer of the photographic subject whose photograph iscurrently being desired. Furthermore, when a photographed photographicsubject image is registered in the image registration server, it ispossible to simplify the procedure for specifying an image correspondingto the photographic subject. Therefore, the image registration can besimply performed using a cellular phone with a digital camera. When theapplicant downloads a photographic subject image registered in theregistration server, specifying the photographic subject image in theimage registration server can be simplified. By utilizing a cellularphone, it is possible to simply perform the image registration and theimage search.

Furthermore, as described with reference to Embodiments 2-A and 2-B, thepresent invention has an effect, by using a photographic subjectidentifier, that it is possible to request to take a photograph of aspecific photographic subject from many and unspecified photographers,and to have many and unspecified men simply, by using a cellular phonefor example, watch information about the image photographed by thephotographer.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image registration server, which can beconnected, through a data communications network, to a registrantterminal used by a registrant who registers a photographic subject to bephotographed, to an applicant terminal used by an applicant who wantsthe photographic subject to be photographed and an image of thephotographic subject to be distributed, and to a photographer terminalused by a photographer who photographs the photographic subject, theimage registration server comprising: 1) an input part of photographicsubject specification information, for inputting photographic subjectspecification information which specifies the photographic subject, fromthe registrant terminal through the data communications network; 2) aphotographic subject list registration part for registering aphotographic subject list where input photographic subject specificationinformation corresponds to a photographic subject identifier foridentifying the photographic subject; 3) a photographic subject listdisclose part for disclosing a registered photographic subject list tothe applicant terminal and the photographer terminal through the datacommunications network; 4) an input part of a photographic subject imageapplication, for inputting the photographic subject identifier whichspecifies the photographic subject whose photograph the applicant wantsto be photographed, from the applicant terminal through the datacommunications network; 5) a photograph application collection listdisclose part for disclosing a photograph application collection listincluding an input photographic subject identifier to the photographerterminal through the data communications network, and for urging thephotographer to photograph the photographic subject; 6) a photographicsubject image registration part for inputting the image of thephotographic subject and the photographic subject identifier of thephotographic subject from the photographer terminal through the datacommunications network, and for registering an input image of thephotographic subject and an input photographic subject identifier of thephotographic subject; 7) a registration image list disclose part fordisclosing a registration image list including the photographic subjectidentifier of the photographic subject to the applicant terminal throughthe data communications network, and for urging the applicant to acquirethe image; 8) an input part of a distribution image photographic subjectidentifier, for inputting the photographic subject identifier whichidentifies the photographic subject of the image requested to bedistributed, from the applicant terminal through the data communicationsnetwork; and 9) a registration image distribution part for distributingthe image of the photographic subject identified by an inputphotographic subject identifier to the applicant terminal through thedata communications network.
 2. An image intermediary distributionsystem comprising: a photographic subject identifier manage server whichcan be connected, through a data communications network, to a registrantterminal used by a registrant who registers a photographic subject to bephotographed; and an image registration server which can be connected,through the data communications network, to an applicant terminal usedby an applicant who wants the photographic subject to be photographedand an image of the photographic subject to be distributed, to aphotographer terminal used by a photographer who photographs thephotographic subject, and to the photographic subject identifier manageserver, wherein the photographic subject identifier manage serverincluding: an input part of photographic subject specificationinformation, for inputting photographic subject specificationinformation which specifies the photographic subject, from theregistrant terminal through the data communications network; aphotographic subject list registration part for registering an openphotographic subject list where input photographic subject specificationinformation corresponds to a photographic subject identifier foridentifying the photographic subject; and a photographic subject listdisclose part for disclosing a registered open photographic subject listto public people through the data communications network, wherein theimage registration server including: an open photographic subject listcollection part for inputting at least a part of the open photographicsubject list from the photographic subject identifier manage serverthrough the data communications network, and for registering an inputopen photographic subject list as a photographic subject list; an inputpart of a photographic subject image application, for inputting thephotographic subject identifier which specifies the photographic subjectwhose photograph the applicant wants to be photographed, from theapplicant terminal through the data communications network; a photographapplication collection list disclose part for disclosing a photographapplication collection list including an input photographic subjectidentifier to the photographer terminal through the data communicationsnetwork, and for urging the photographer to photograph the photographicsubject; a photographic subject image registration part for inputtingthe image of the photographic subject and the photographic subjectidentifier of the photographic subject from the photographer terminalthrough the data communications network, and for registering an inputimage of the photographic subject and an input photographic subjectidentifier of the photographic subject; a registration image listdisclose part for disclosing a registration image list including thephotographic subject identifier of the photographic subject to theapplicant terminal through the data communications network, and forurging the applicant to acquire the image; an input part of adistribution image photographic subject identifier, for inputting thephotographic subject identifier which identifies the photographicsubject of the image requested to be distributed, from the applicantterminal through the data communications network; and a registrationimage distribution part for distributing the image of the photographicsubject identified by an input photographic subject identifier to theapplicant terminal through the data communications network.
 3. The imageregistration server of the claim 1, wherein the input part of aphotographic subject image application inputs the photographic subjectidentifier composed of numbers and signs assigned to dial buttons of acellular phone terminal, from the cellular phone terminal being theapplicant terminal.
 4. The image intermediary distribution system ofclaim 2, wherein the input part of a photographic subject imageapplication inputs the photographic subject identifier composed ofnumbers and signs assigned to dial buttons of a cellular phone terminal,from the cellular phone terminal being the applicant terminal.
 5. Theimage registration server of the claim 1, wherein the photographicsubject image registration part inputs the photographic subjectidentifier composed of numbers and signs assigned to dial buttons of acellular phone terminal, from the cellular phone terminal being thephotographer terminal.
 6. The image intermediary distribution system ofclaim 2, wherein the photographic subject image registration part inputsthe photographic subject identifier composed of numbers and signsassigned to dial buttons of a cellular phone terminal, from the cellularphone terminal being the photographer terminal.
 7. The imageregistration server of the claim 1, wherein the input part of aphotographic subject image application inputs the photographic subjectidentifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pause marks from acellular phone terminal being the applicant terminal.
 8. The imageintermediary distribution system of claim 2, wherein the input part of aphotographic subject image application inputs the photographic subjectidentifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pause marks from acellular phone terminal being the applicant terminal.
 9. The imageregistration server of the claim 1, wherein the photographic subjectimage registration part inputs the photographic subject identifiercomposed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pause marks from a cellularphone terminal being the photographer terminal.
 10. The imageintermediary distribution system of claim 2, wherein the photographicsubject image registration part inputs the photographic subjectidentifier composed of numbers, signs, alphabets, and pause marks from acellular phone terminal being the photographer terminal.
 11. The imageregistration server of the claim 1, wherein the photographic subjectimage registration part registers when the input photographic subjectidentifier corresponds to the photographic subject identifier includedin the photographic subject list.
 12. The image intermediarydistribution system of claim 2, wherein the photographic subject imageregistration part registers when the input photographic subjectidentifier corresponds to the photographic subject identifier includedin the photographic subject list.
 13. The image registration server ofthe claim 1, wherein the input part of photographic subjectspecification information further inputs a photograph equipmentidentifier for identifying photograph equipment, the photographicsubject list registration part further registers the photographicsubject list where an input photograph equipment identifier correspondsto the photographic subject identifier, and the photographic subjectimage registration part further inputs the photograph equipmentidentifier for identifying the photograph equipment used forphotographing the image and registers when the input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photograph equipment identifierincluded in the photographic subject list.
 14. The image intermediarydistribution system of claim 2, wherein the input part of photographicsubject specification information further inputs a photograph equipmentidentifier for identifying photograph equipment, the photographicsubject list registration part further registers the photographicsubject list where an input photograph equipment identifier correspondsto the photographic subject identifier, and the photographic subjectimage registration part further inputs the photograph equipmentidentifier for identifying the photograph equipment used forphotographing the image and registers when the input photographequipment identifier corresponds to the photograph equipment identifierincluded in the photographic subject list.